At least 14 people were killed and dozens more wounded in an attack on Umm Arda in Sudan’s conflict-hit Kordofan region, according to a local non-governmental organization. Human rights group Emergency Lawyers said the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, carried out the attack on Friday in the area southwest of El Obeid. It said more than 14 civilians were killed and many residents were fleeing their homes.

The RSF had earlier said it had taken control of Umm Arda, describing the development as an important shift in field military operations. A Sudanese army official told AFP that the army repelled two RSF attacks in Umm Arda and Jabal al-Hashaba, claiming the paramilitary force suffered losses. AFP said it could not independently verify details because access is difficult and communications are disrupted.

Emergency Lawyers warned that the humanitarian crisis is worsening in areas already strained by sieges and shortages of basic services, with aid operations suspended in some locations. Save the Children said nearly 40,000 children fleeing fighting in North Kordofan had sought shelter in El Obeid. Malnutrition and severe food shortages have increased in two displacement camps there, while some families spend nearly half the day collecting water.